Minnesota Gopher Football 2026 season prediction and preview
- Minnesota's consensus win total is 6.5 with plus money on the over, while the author assigns a 70 percent chance to at least seven wins and projects an 8-4 regular season.
- The schedule contains only two likely two-touchdown-underdog spots and two clear two-touchdown-favorite spots, leaving eight games expected to be priced within roughly one touchdown.
- Quarterback Drake Lindsey returns for a second starting season alongside proven running back Darius Taylor, while Greg Johnson, Ashton Beers and Nathan Roy anchor the strongest portion of the offensive line.
- Minnesota's defensive foundation includes edge Anthony Smith, additional pass rushers TJ Bush and Karter Menz, 100-tackle linebacker Maverick Baranowski and experienced defensive backs John Nestor and Kerry Brown.
- The principal downside risks are unproven skill talent beyond Taylor, the right side of the offensive line, inexperienced defensive tackles against the run and a special-teams unit that must improve despite coordinator Daniel Da Prato's strong track record.
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